Check out the latest research updates from the wider community from this month. While we didn’t fund these projects, we’re encouraged to see a continued focus on understanding scleroderma.
Fewer capillaries in hands may contribute to scleroderma bone loss
A pilot study found that scleroderma patients with fewer capillaries at the base of the fingernails had lower bone density in the hands, suggesting microvascular damage may directly contribute to local bone loss.
New scleroderma therapy BLR-200 shows potential to prevent scarring
In a mouse model, BLR-200 blocked activation of a specific scar-forming fibroblast population, preventing skin thickening and pointing to a possible new treatment approach for scleroderma.
Signaling pathway in skin cells may drive scleroderma inflammation
In a mouse model, loss of the protein Med1 in keratinocytes overactivated the PPAR-gamma pathway, worsening inflammation and skin fibrosis and pointing to this pathway as a possible treatment target.
Incidence of Sudden Cardiac Death Is Elevated in Patients With SSc
A nationwide cohort study found sudden cardiac death occurred in nearly 2% of systemic sclerosis patients, with coronary artery disease, reduced heart function, and smoking history identified as key associated risk factors.
